A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is an official document issued by the Lagos State Government that confirms the legal ownership of land or property. It is one of the most important land title documents in Nigeria, as it serves as proof of ownership and protects the holder’s rights against third-party claims.

Steps to Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy in Lagos

1. Confirm the Land Title Status

Before applying for a Certificate of Occupancy, verify the land’s title status to ensure it is free from government acquisition or disputes. You can conduct a land search at the Lagos State Lands Bureau or the Lagos State Land Registry to confirm its authenticity.

2. Obtain an Application Form

Visit the Lagos State Lands Bureau or the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy application form. The form can also be downloaded from the Lagos State Government’s official website.

3. Prepare and Submit Required Documents

Applicants must provide the following documents:

• Completed C of O application form
• A cover letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Lands Bureau
• A passport-sized photograph of the applicant
• Proof of ownership (e.g., purchase receipt, deed of assignment, allocation letter)
• A survey plan of the land, prepared by a registered surveyor
• Tax clearance certificate (evidence of payment of Land Use Charge or other relevant taxes)
• Proof of identity (National ID card, international passport, or driver’s license)

4. Payment of Processing Fees

After submitting the application, you will be required to pay certain fees, including:

• Processing fee
• Charting fee
• Endorsement fee
• Ground rent

The exact amount depends on the location and size of the land. The payment receipt must be attached to your application.

5. Site Inspection and Survey Verification

Officials from the Lagos State Government will inspect the property to verify the details provided in the application. They will ensure that the land is not under government acquisition or involved in any dispute.

6. Approval Process

If the application is successful, the Lagos State Governor or an authorized representative signs the Certificate of Occupancy. The process may take a few months, depending on verification and approval timelines.

7. Collection of the Certificate of Occupancy

Once approved, the applicant is notified to collect the Certificate of Occupancy from the Lagos State Lands Bureau. It is important to keep the original copy safe, as it is a crucial legal document for property ownership.

Benefits of Having a Certificate of Occupancy

• Legal proof of ownership: Protects against land disputes and fraudulent claims.
• Required for property transactions: Essential for selling, leasing, or transferring property ownership.
• Access to loans and mortgages: Banks require a C of O as collateral for loans.
• Government protection: Prevents the risk of land revocation due to government acquisition.

Where to Apply for a Certificate of Occupancy in Lagos

• Lagos State Lands Bureau: Located at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
• Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development: Handles land-related matters.
• Lagos State Land Registry: Conducts land searches and records ownership details.

For more information, visit the Lagos State Government website or the Lagos State Lands Bureau office.